Living in — or visiting — Colorado definitely has its advantages: great food, diverse cultures, beautiful weather, and some of the best hiking in the country. From butt-busting inclines to gorgeous hikes among scenic forests, hiking in Colorado has something to offer both novice and experienced hikers alike. Here are 15 of the best hiking trails in Colorado that offer an unforgettable experience. Everyone should try them at least once.
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
Flickr/Jason Ahrns “Take a hike” from your regular trails and mountains by hiking this beautiful 30 square miles of dune-field (Word to the wise: Don’t hike this in shorts if it’s windy. I learned this the hard way!)
- Arapaho National Forest
Wikimedia Commons According to the USDA: “The forests and grassland (of Arapaho) encompasses 1.5 million acres and extends north to the Wyoming border, south of Interstate 70 to Mount Evans, west across the Continental Divide to the Williams Fork area and includes short grass prairie east of I-25. " You have your pick of the land!
- Castlewood Canyon State Park
Wikimedia Commons Castlewood Canyon offers something for everyone with trails ranging from mild to moderate; short to long.
- Grand Mesa National Forest
Wikimedia Commons Step out of your normal routine and into Grand Mesa National Forests (complete with stunning views of Bridal Veil Falls, Alpine Tunnel, and much more!)
- Crested Butte
Bad Mom Good Mom/Creative Commons Like the view? I’m here to tell you that there’s a LOT more where that came from when you hike one (of the dozens) of Crested Butte’s trails.
- Green Mountain
Wikimedia Commons Green Mountain is among the best hiking trails in Colorado. It’s close enough to the city yet far enough away to experience nature and lush shrubbery as far as the eye can see.
- Gunnison National Park
Flickr/Chuckcars via National Park Service: “Big enough to be overwhelming, still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time, Black Canyon of the Gunnison exposes you to some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America.” I know where I’ll be headed this summer!
- Manitou Springs
Wikimedia Commons 1 mile. 2,000 vertical feet. 2,744 steps. My legs burn just thinking about it…let’s go!
- Ouray
Jerry and Pat Donaho / flickr Did you get a good look at this picture? Ouray is unreal (and they leave you no excuses for not hiking with their short, ambitious, and profound trails)!
- Pike National Forest
Wikimedia Commons Called “the most diverse forest throughout the five-state Rocky Mountain region,” Pike National Forest offers not only hiking, but cabin rentals, water recreation, and much more!
- Colorado Springs
Bob K0NR/Creative Commons A short drive from Denver, the Springs is surrounded by several gorgeous hiking grounds, including the Garden of the Gods, Palmer Park, and Red Rock Canyon.
- Rocky Mountain National Park
Flickr/Joe Newman Arguably the most famous of Colorado hiking spots, Rocky Mountain National Park boasts 300 miles of hiking trails, untouched nature, and diverse wildlife. If you’re looking for some of the best hiking trails in Colorado, you can’t go wrong with this famous national park.
- San Isabel National Forest
Chris Harnish/Creative Commons Turn off your devices, pitch a tent, and enjoy Pike’s “sister” Forest the way that nature intended.
- Rio Grande National Forest
Wikimedia Commons Dubbed one of the undiscovered jewels of Colorado, the Rio Grande National Forest offers a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else sporting caves, Native American rock art, and much more!
- White River National Forest
Wikimedia Commons White River National Forest is the most visited national forest in the nation – and for good reason! With 12 ski resorts and trails galore what’s not to love?
What are your thoughts on our list of some of the best hiking trails in Colorado? Which of these trails have you hiked? Are there any that deserve a place on our list? Tell us about them in the comments below!
Flickr/Jason Ahrns
“Take a hike” from your regular trails and mountains by hiking this beautiful 30 square miles of dune-field (Word to the wise: Don’t hike this in shorts if it’s windy. I learned this the hard way!)
Wikimedia Commons
According to the USDA: “The forests and grassland (of Arapaho) encompasses 1.5 million acres and extends north to the Wyoming border, south of Interstate 70 to Mount Evans, west across the Continental Divide to the Williams Fork area and includes short grass prairie east of I-25. " You have your pick of the land!
Castlewood Canyon offers something for everyone with trails ranging from mild to moderate; short to long.
Step out of your normal routine and into Grand Mesa National Forests (complete with stunning views of Bridal Veil Falls, Alpine Tunnel, and much more!)
Bad Mom Good Mom/Creative Commons
Like the view? I’m here to tell you that there’s a LOT more where that came from when you hike one (of the dozens) of Crested Butte’s trails.
Green Mountain is among the best hiking trails in Colorado. It’s close enough to the city yet far enough away to experience nature and lush shrubbery as far as the eye can see.
Flickr/Chuckcars
via National Park Service: “Big enough to be overwhelming, still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time, Black Canyon of the Gunnison exposes you to some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America.” I know where I’ll be headed this summer!
1 mile. 2,000 vertical feet. 2,744 steps. My legs burn just thinking about it…let’s go!
Jerry and Pat Donaho / flickr
Did you get a good look at this picture? Ouray is unreal (and they leave you no excuses for not hiking with their short, ambitious, and profound trails)!
Called “the most diverse forest throughout the five-state Rocky Mountain region,” Pike National Forest offers not only hiking, but cabin rentals, water recreation, and much more!
Bob K0NR/Creative Commons
A short drive from Denver, the Springs is surrounded by several gorgeous hiking grounds, including the Garden of the Gods, Palmer Park, and Red Rock Canyon.
Flickr/Joe Newman
Arguably the most famous of Colorado hiking spots, Rocky Mountain National Park boasts 300 miles of hiking trails, untouched nature, and diverse wildlife. If you’re looking for some of the best hiking trails in Colorado, you can’t go wrong with this famous national park.
Chris Harnish/Creative Commons
Turn off your devices, pitch a tent, and enjoy Pike’s “sister” Forest the way that nature intended.
Dubbed one of the undiscovered jewels of Colorado, the Rio Grande National Forest offers a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else sporting caves, Native American rock art, and much more!
White River National Forest is the most visited national forest in the nation – and for good reason! With 12 ski resorts and trails galore what’s not to love?
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Address: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado, USAAddress: Arapaho National Forest, Colorado 80468, USAAddress: Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 CO-83, Franktown, CO 80116, USAAddress: Grand Mesa National Forest, Colorado 81413, USAAddress: Crested Butte, CO 81224, USAAddress: Green Mountain, Lakewood, CO 80228, USAAddress: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, USAAddress: Manitou Springs, CO 80829, USAAddress: Ouray, CO, USAAddress: Pike National Forest, Colorado 80456, USAAddress: Colorado Springs, CO, USAAddress: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USAAddress: San Isabel National Forest, Colorado 81233, USAAddress: Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado 81154, USAAddress: White River National Forest, Colorado 81637, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hiking trails in Colorado October 19, 2020 Beth C. What is the most popular hiking trail in Colorado? When it comes to visiting Colorado, hiking is among the most popular activities. With accessible trails, challenging treks, and picturesque vistas at every turn, hiking is an activity that everyone in Colorado can enjoy. If you’re curious about the single most popular trail in Colorado, it can be difficult to narrow down the options. At the top of the list is Emerald Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. At nearly four miles, it takes approximately two to two and a half hours to complete. Along the way, hikers can look forward to breathtaking scenes of the gorgeous Rocky Mountain National Park. Other popular hiking trails in Colorado include Mount Bierstadt Trail, Royal Arch Trail, Sky Pond Trail, and Quandry Peak Trail. Where can I hike in Colorado that only the locals know about? There are plenty of hiking trails throughout Colorado that are relatively undiscovered. Unlike many of the trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, there are lots of treks that only the locals know about. Some of these must-try trails include the Sleepy Lion Trail, Centennial Cone Trail, Mount Flora Trail, Square Top Mountain Trail, Cupid Peak and Grizzly Peak via Mt. Sniktau Trail, and Herman Gulch Trail to Herman Lake. When hiking in Colorado, it’s important to keep the trails in great condition by not leaving any trash or belongings. Also, be sure to pack plenty of water and appropriate layers as weather conditions can change rapidly, especially in the mountains. What are some of the best hidden gems in Colorado? If you love exploring the state of Colorado, you’re likely curious about the best hidden gems in the state. Some of these landmarks include the Paint Mines Interpretive Park in Calhan, Canyons of the Ancients in Towaoc, the Swetsville Zoo in Fort Collins, Linger Eatuary in Denver, Cheyenne Mountain Nuclear Bunker in Colorado Springs, Rainbow Falls in Manitou Springs, Pikes Peak Summit House in Cascade, Denver’s Dinosaur Hotel in Lakewood, the Magic Mushroom House, the Indiana Jones Home in Antonito, the UFO Watchtower in Crestone, and Mount Elbert in Buena Vista.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hiking trails in Colorado
October 19, 2020
Beth C.
What is the most popular hiking trail in Colorado? When it comes to visiting Colorado, hiking is among the most popular activities. With accessible trails, challenging treks, and picturesque vistas at every turn, hiking is an activity that everyone in Colorado can enjoy. If you’re curious about the single most popular trail in Colorado, it can be difficult to narrow down the options. At the top of the list is Emerald Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. At nearly four miles, it takes approximately two to two and a half hours to complete. Along the way, hikers can look forward to breathtaking scenes of the gorgeous Rocky Mountain National Park. Other popular hiking trails in Colorado include Mount Bierstadt Trail, Royal Arch Trail, Sky Pond Trail, and Quandry Peak Trail. Where can I hike in Colorado that only the locals know about? There are plenty of hiking trails throughout Colorado that are relatively undiscovered. Unlike many of the trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, there are lots of treks that only the locals know about. Some of these must-try trails include the Sleepy Lion Trail, Centennial Cone Trail, Mount Flora Trail, Square Top Mountain Trail, Cupid Peak and Grizzly Peak via Mt. Sniktau Trail, and Herman Gulch Trail to Herman Lake. When hiking in Colorado, it’s important to keep the trails in great condition by not leaving any trash or belongings. Also, be sure to pack plenty of water and appropriate layers as weather conditions can change rapidly, especially in the mountains. What are some of the best hidden gems in Colorado? If you love exploring the state of Colorado, you’re likely curious about the best hidden gems in the state. Some of these landmarks include the Paint Mines Interpretive Park in Calhan, Canyons of the Ancients in Towaoc, the Swetsville Zoo in Fort Collins, Linger Eatuary in Denver, Cheyenne Mountain Nuclear Bunker in Colorado Springs, Rainbow Falls in Manitou Springs, Pikes Peak Summit House in Cascade, Denver’s Dinosaur Hotel in Lakewood, the Magic Mushroom House, the Indiana Jones Home in Antonito, the UFO Watchtower in Crestone, and Mount Elbert in Buena Vista.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
When it comes to visiting Colorado, hiking is among the most popular activities. With accessible trails, challenging treks, and picturesque vistas at every turn, hiking is an activity that everyone in Colorado can enjoy. If you’re curious about the single most popular trail in Colorado, it can be difficult to narrow down the options. At the top of the list is Emerald Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. At nearly four miles, it takes approximately two to two and a half hours to complete. Along the way, hikers can look forward to breathtaking scenes of the gorgeous Rocky Mountain National Park. Other popular hiking trails in Colorado include Mount Bierstadt Trail, Royal Arch Trail, Sky Pond Trail, and Quandry Peak Trail.
Where can I hike in Colorado that only the locals know about?
There are plenty of hiking trails throughout Colorado that are relatively undiscovered. Unlike many of the trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, there are lots of treks that only the locals know about. Some of these must-try trails include the Sleepy Lion Trail, Centennial Cone Trail, Mount Flora Trail, Square Top Mountain Trail, Cupid Peak and Grizzly Peak via Mt. Sniktau Trail, and Herman Gulch Trail to Herman Lake. When hiking in Colorado, it’s important to keep the trails in great condition by not leaving any trash or belongings. Also, be sure to pack plenty of water and appropriate layers as weather conditions can change rapidly, especially in the mountains.
What are some of the best hidden gems in Colorado?
If you love exploring the state of Colorado, you’re likely curious about the best hidden gems in the state. Some of these landmarks include the Paint Mines Interpretive Park in Calhan, Canyons of the Ancients in Towaoc, the Swetsville Zoo in Fort Collins, Linger Eatuary in Denver, Cheyenne Mountain Nuclear Bunker in Colorado Springs, Rainbow Falls in Manitou Springs, Pikes Peak Summit House in Cascade, Denver’s Dinosaur Hotel in Lakewood, the Magic Mushroom House, the Indiana Jones Home in Antonito, the UFO Watchtower in Crestone, and Mount Elbert in Buena Vista.
